Sport utility tailgate and observation platform

ABSTRACT

A mobile elevated viewing platform is disclosed. The platform may be mounted to the rear of a vehicle, such as on a standard draw bar receiver or hitch. The platform can be mobilized in a short time, and is collapsed into a transport mode for highway travel. The platform is useful for hunting, and sporting event observation, i.e. motor races, parades and the like. An optional accessory unit provides cooking and entertainment in remote location.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates generally to a tailgate extension system that provides the sporting enthusiast diversified recreational options related to various sporting activities and a unique method of providing most house hold facilities for outdoors camping and entertainment. In particular, the invention relates to vehicle mounted observation and platforms and outdoor equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Outdoor sporting enthusiasts occasionally require an elevated platform to pursue sporting interests. For example, hunters use elevated stands in the woods from which to view and hunt for game animals, such as deer or elk. Such an elevated platform shields the hunter from the general viewing area of wild game animals, enabling him or her to enjoy a full view of approaching game from a relatively long distance.

[0003] It is also common for spectators at sporting events such as parades, rodeos, bird watching, motor races and the like to erect temporary structures that enable the spectator to view the sporting activity from an elevated position. In viewing such sporting events, the elevated position of the spectator provides for a better view of the action. Furthermore, the view from an elevated position, being generally above the crowd and noise, facilitates an unobstructed and enjoyable position from which to view the event.

[0004] Unfortunately, such structures are difficult and cumbersome to move from one place to another. Also, such structures are heavy, and difficult to erect, which causes them to be less convenient. Many scaffolds and the like require several people several hours to assemble, reducing their utility for sporting events.

[0005] Portable tree stands and the like for hunting are known, but many of these stands require, prior to the hunt, significant effort to erect and maintain them for later use during hunting hours. Furthermore, many such stands are designed to be relatively permanent fixtures on the land. For hunters using leased or borrowed land, or hunting on government property, a hunting stand that is mounted in the earth or on a tree usually is not a viable legal option.

[0006] Mobile hunter stands that mount in the bed of a pickup truck are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,839 is directed to a hunter's stand that is mounted inside the bed of a pickup truck. In the collapsed position, the stand is lower than the upper level of the truck cab, and in that position the truck may be driven to the desired destination at normal speeds. Then hunter's stand may be erected by one person in the back or bed of the pickup truck, and is ready for use. Then, after the hunting is event is completed, the stand may be collapsed to enable the truck to move to another site, or to drive to overnight accommodations.

[0007] The assembly shown in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,839 occupies the bed of the pickup truck during the hunting season, and at the end of the season, the stand may be taken out truck bed by removing bolts from the bed of the truck, and lifting the entire stand assembly out of the truck bed, for storage away from the truck. When mounted in the truck, however, the feet of the stand are bolted to the bed of the truck to secure the stand in position.

[0008] There are several disadvantages to the apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,839. For example, the apparatus as shown occupies most of the space in the bed of the pickup truck, which leaves little or no space for other gear and equipment that the hunter may wish to transport to the hunting site. Furthermore, the apparatus is not designed for use with vehicles other than pickup trucks with cargo beds, and cannot easily be used with other vehicles such as sport utility vehicles, or passenger cars. Thus, the design limits its overall applicability. The task of unbolting and manually removing the apparatus from the pickup truck bed is a fairly labor intensive and time consuming process, which makes it unlikely that a hunter would be able to conveniently remove the stand from the pickup truck on non-hunting weekends during the hunting season without expending time and effort to do so.

[0009] What is needed in the industry is a method and apparatus for supporting one or more persons in an elevated position on a secure platform. An apparatus that is connected to a vehicle, and is therefore mobile, is desirable. Furthermore, an apparatus that provides for a safe and relatively high vantage point, while still affording convenience to the user would be helpful. Furthermore, a stand that may be efficiently and easily transported by common pick-up trucks, sport utility vehicles, and the like, and then erected in connection with such vehicles, would be highly desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention relates to an improved observation platform apparatus and method that maybe removably installed upon a vehicle, such as a transport utility vehicle.

[0011] Accordingly, one of the objects of the invention is to provide an improved observation platform structure that may be installed, and easily removed, from a sport utility vehicle without modification of the vehicle.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide an observation platform that may easily be installed upon a vehicle, and when transitioned into a transport mode, may be easily transported to a hunting site, sporting event site, or other location.

[0013] A further object of the invention is to provide an observation platform or hunters stand that may be installed upon a vehicle, but may be erected to a suitable height for hunting once the vehicle is located a remote hunting site.

[0014] It is a further object of the invention to provide an observation platform that may be collapsed and then transported by way of the standard 2-inch trailer hitch on a vehicle at regular highway speeds to and from a remote hunting area.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an observation platform that may be erected, or collapsed, by one person without complex machinery or tooling required.

[0016] It is yet another object of the invention to provide a hunters stand that includes an observation platform supporting a chair for the hunters conveniences. It is a further object of the invention to provide an observation platform that may be used by spectators of sporting events such as parades, auto races and the like which affords a complete and unobstructed view of the sporting event, and in which the apparatus is completely mobile as attached to the rear portion of a vehicle.

[0017] A mobile elevated viewing platform apparatus is disclosed for use with and transport by a standard multi-passenger vehicle. The apparatus includes a base assembly, the base assembly being adapted for reversibly mounting to the exterior of a passenger vehicle. Further, at least one mast having a lower end and an upper end is employed. An elevated viewing platform, is adapted for supporting at least one seat. The elevated viewing platform is supportable by the upper end of the telescoping mast. Finally, the mast is easily removed for transportation for vehicular travel or a second erect position for supporting the elevated viewing platform. In some applications, both a platform and accessory unit are provided. However, other applications disclose only an accessory unit without a platform, or only a platform without the accessory unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] A full and enabling disclosure of this invention, including the best mode shown to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in this specification. The following Figures illustrate the invention:

[0019]FIG. 1 is a side view of the platform apparatus of the invention as mounted upon a vehicle;

[0020]FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus in its shortened position (or transport mode) as engaged upon the exterior of a passenger vehicle;

[0021]FIG. 3 shows the apparatus in the winching position wherein the platform is being pulled into an upright and vertical position for initial loading;

[0022]FIG. 4 shows the apparatus just prior to raising the mast and platform to its operational height;

[0023]FIG. 5 shows a view of the apparatus in which the mast has been raised to its operational height;

[0024]FIG. 6 is an end view of the platform apparatus (rear view as shown in FIG. 5), as one would observe the apparatus from a position behind the rear portion of the vehicle showing the various convenience accessories that may be incorporated into the apparatus;

[0025]FIG. 7 shows a similar rear view of the apparatus in which the platform is being raised with cable to its operational height;

[0026]FIG. 8 is a rear view of the apparatus in which the platform has been raised to its operational height;

[0027]FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the removal of the platform apparatus from a hitch receiver;

[0028]FIG. 10 shows the manual transportation of the apparatus into a storage facility with the observation platform stored on top;

[0029]FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention that includes a platform assembly but does not include an optional cabinet;

[0030]FIG. 12 is still a further embodiment of the invention that includes only a cabinet without an observation platform;

[0031]FIG. 13A is a top view of the frame member of the base assembly;

[0032]FIG. 13B is a side sectional view of the connection mechanism for securely connecting the apparatus to a hitch receiver; and

[0033]FIG. 13C shows a side view of a stabilizer bar shown in FIG. 13A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Reference now will be made to the embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not as a limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in this invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features and aspects of the present invention are disclosed in or are obvious from the following detailed description. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention, which broader aspects are embodied in the exemplary constructions.

[0035] Turning to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the invention is shown which includes a platform apparatus 21 shown in its erect position. The platform apparatus 21 comprises a base assembly 22, a first mast 23, and is securely connected to the rear portion of vehicle 24. The first mast 23 comprises a lower end 25 a and an upper end 25 b, which is located just beneath and projecting through the platform 26. One or more seats 27 a are provided for secure connection to the platform 26 and the upper end 25 b of first mast 23. Furthermore, supports 28 a, 28 b, and 28 c extend vertically upward from the deck 30 to connect with the safety rail 29 that extends around the periphery of the deck 30. When the platform apparatus 21 is in the erect position as shown in FIG. 1, a ladder 31 is positioned for entry and exit from the platform 26. A hinged trap doorway may be provided that extends through the platform 26 and deck 30 to facilitate the entry and exit from the upper portion of the platform apparatus 21 by way of the ladder 31. For example, doors that hinge and swing upwards from deck 30 to lay flat upon the deck 30 when open, and then close by meeting together to form a secure and flat surface upon deck 30, is one embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, in FIG. 1, a support arm 33 securely connects the platform 26 with the first mast 23 to provide stability to the platform 26 when in the erect position as shown in FIG. 1. Likewise, leveling leg 34 shown connected to the base assembly 22 near the frame 43 of the apparatus provides a stable support for the base assembly 22 when the platform apparatus 21 is in the erect position as shown in FIG. 1.

[0036] Near the lower end 25 a of the first mast 23 a utility cabinet 32 is provided that may contain numerous items of convenience as further shown in FIGS. 6-8 herein. In a preferred embodiment, the utility cabinet hinges at its lower edge so that a back panel of the cabinet 32 may be lowered into position for use of certain convenience accessories as further described herein.

[0037]FIG. 2 shows the platform apparatus in the shortened position 37, as it would appear when the vehicle 24 is prepared for travel. In this position, the platform 26 has been lowered, and rests upon support 38, and the leveling leg 34 that was seen in FIG. 1 has been retracted from the surface of the ground. In the shortened position 37 shown in FIG. 2 the platform 26 rides only a few feet above the cabinet 32, and its reduced height lowers the center of gravity of the entire unit so as to provide stable and comfortable travel of the vehicle 24 to and from a sporting event, hunting site, or other place in which the apparatus will be employed. Furthermore, when the apparatus is used for hunting, the shortened position 37 as shown in FIG. 2 may be used when moving from one hunting location to another hunting location, either upon the same ranch or within a county or geographical hunting area.

[0038]FIG. 3 shows an initial loading winching position 40 of the invention in which a cable 41 attached to the first mast 23 is used to pull the platform 26 into an erect position. A winch system 42 may be used, in which the winch is either in the upper portion of the cabinet 32, or in the lower portion of the cabinet 32. The winch is located in the lower portion of the cabinet 32, and a pulley may be used in the upper part of the winch system 42. A pulley 42 a is only used during erection or initial loading of the first mast 23. In FIG. 3, the base assembly 22 may be seen which is comprised of a frame 43 that inserts into the hitch 63 just below the bumper 67 of the vehicle 24.

[0039]FIG. 4 shows a partially elevated position 50 of the apparatus of the invention in which the first mast 23 is in a vertical position, but the telescoping rails and platform 26 has not yet been raised to its operational height. Once the apparatus is in position as shown in FIG. 4, then the second mast 46 and seat 27 a may be raised (as shown in FIG. 5) to provide a seat 27 a at operational height. This seat 27 a is supported by the upper end 25 b of the mast. On the other hand, the lower end 25 a of the first mast 23 is seen just above the cabinet 32. Then, the next step in placing the apparatus of the invention in operational mode may be seen in FIGS. 6-8.

[0040] In FIG. 6, for example, an end view 52 of one embodiment of the invention is shown having seats 27 a and 27 b supported first mast 23 and the second mast 46. Furthermore, the adjustable cross-member 55 support the platform 26 for transportation configuration. Pulleys 53 a and 53 b support a cable 59 that is attached on one end to the platform 26 or deck 30, and at the other end to the winch system 42 (not shown in FIG. 6). Furthermore, pulley 53 c is supported at one end by the platform 26 and at the other end by the winch system 42 (not shown in FIG. 6). When the winch system 42 is activated, cable 59 and cable 60 are used to pull the platform 26 upwards into position.

[0041] Furthermore, in FIG. 6 a right accessory unit 57 and a left accessory unit 58 are shown at the lower portion of FIG. 6. A variety of modules are provided within the right accessory unit 57 and left accessory unit 58, which may include a television, stereo, spot light, telephone, DC/AC power inverter, coffeemaker, stove, sink, water tank, pump, generator, and winching system 42 (not shown in FIG. 6). This list is not exhaustive of all the accessories that could be provided within the invention, but is merely a listing of several examples. Furthermore, in some cases it would be possible to disengage one or more accessories and place them upon the platform 26 as for example, a television, stereo and the like. Supporting the apparatus shown in FIG. 7 are leveling legs 34 and 35. A refrigerator may be provided in the center as shown in FIG. 6.

[0042]FIG. 8 shows the apparatus in which the platform 26 has been raised to its fully elevated position and is ready for occupancy. Ladder 31 has been erected which leads to an opening (not shown in FIG. 8) in the bottom of the platform 26 and deck 30.

[0043]FIG. 9 shows the apparatus in the storage mode in which the base assembly 22 has been disengaged from the receiver portion 64 of the hitch 63. Furthermore, a center leg 61 is shown which provides stability and the opportunity for the apparatus to be placed into storage facility 62 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Importantly, when the apparatus is not to be used, it is relatively simple to disengage from the vehicle 24 and store the apparatus until the next hunting or sporting event, and it is not necessary to store any portion of the apparatus in the vehicle in between hunting or sporting events, which is highly desirable and convenient.

[0044]FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the utility cabinet 32 is not used. Instead, the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is second embodiment 100, which includes a base assembly 122, connected to a first mast 123 a, and a second mast 123 b to which the seat 127 a is attached. Further, a platform 126 supports a deck 130, and a ladder 131 is positioned below the platform 126. A seat 127 a is connected to the first mast 123, and supports 128 a-c is connected to the safety rail 129. Furthermore, a frame 143 is operably connected to the vehicle 124. Leveling leg 134 is also shown below the base assembly 122. The second embodiment 100 is particularly useful for sportsman who would like to have an elevated observation platform in a mobile configuration, but does not require outdoor living utilities/accessories as provided in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-8, while still providing sporting options such as rifle sighting, skeet shooting, target practice and the like.

[0045]FIG. 12 shows yet a third embodiment 200 of the invention wherein there is no observation platform, but instead there is a mobile accessory unit which is useful for outdoor living, camping, etc. The third embodiment 200 is comprised of a utility cabinet 232 which would have accessories similar to that shown in FIGS. 7-8. Likewise, a leveling leg 234 supports the base assembly 222, and a frame 243 removably attaches to the vehicle 224 as shown in FIG. 12.

[0046] Utility cabinet 232 preferably comprises a hinged fold down unit in which the cabinet hinges at its lower edge and a back panel is lowered to reveal one or more accessories that have been previously described herein.

[0047]FIG. 13A shows a top view of the frame member 75 of the base assembly 43 that is shown in FIGS. 1-8. The frame member 75 comprises frame 43, which contains stabilizer bars 79 a and 79 b on either side of the frame 43. Furthermore, a draw bar 77 is provided for removable connection to a trailer hitch on a vehicle.

[0048]FIG. 13B is a cross-section cut-away as seen along lines 13 b-13 b of FIG. 13A. In FIG. 13B, a connection mechanism 72 is comprised of a receiver portion 64 of a hitch 63 into which a draw bar 77 is inserted. Although this standard method of hitching is available on most United States vehicles, any other suitable method for attaching the platform apparatus 21 to a vehicle could be used. For example, other hitching mechanisms are possible, in which other removable mechanical connections are made to the rear portion of a vehicle, and such apparatus would be within the scope and spirit of this invention disclosed herein.

[0049]FIG. 13C shows one example of one embodiment of a stabilizer bar 79 a (as shown in FIG. 13A) seen in a side view in which the upper flange 81 and lower flange 82 form a yoke 80 in the middle that is secured to the frame of the hitch on the vehicle (not shown). In some cases, a bolt or cotter pin could be inserted to connect upper flange 81 and lower flange 82 to the frame of the hitch on the vehicle.

[0050] Other optional features that could be employed in the practice of the tailgate extension invention include a shooting bench, a clay target or skeet target thrower, a motor cycle transport rack, a bicycle rack, a barbeque oven, a shower, a dog carrier, and other items which make it convenient and enjoyable to enjoy outdoor activities using a standard passenger vehicle, pick-up, or sport utility vehicle upon which the apparatus is mounted. The platform apparatus 21 of the invention could be comprised of essentially any composite or metallic material, including aluminum, iron, steel and the like. The type of material used would depend on the cost considerations, the weight characteristics desired, and the strength needed for the particular application.

[0051] It is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention, which broader aspects are embodied in the exemplary constructions. The invention is shown by example in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile elevated viewing platform apparatus adapted for use with and transport by a standard multi-passenger vehicle, comprising: (a) a base assembly, the base assembly being adapted for reversibly mounting to the exterior of a passenger vehicle; (b) at least one mast having a lower end and an upper end; (c) an elevated viewing platform, the elevated viewing platform adapted for supporting at least one seat, the elevated viewing platform being supportable by the upper end of the mast; and (d) wherein the mast is capable of adopting either a first shortened position for vehicular travel or a second erect position for supporting the elevated viewing platform.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the base assembly further comprises a draw bar adapted for connecting with a trailer hitch on the rear side of the passenger vehicle.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 in which the draw bar comprises a male member adapted for insertion into a female receiver portion of the trailer hitch.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2 in which the base assembly further comprises at least one stabilizer bar to the side of the draw bar, the stabilizer bar being adapted for securing the platform to the passenger vehicle.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3 in which a first stabilizer bar and a second stabilizer bar are provided, the first stabilizer bar being positioned on the right side of the vehicle midline, and the second stabilizer bar being positioned on the left side of the vehicle midline.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 in which the first and second stabilizer bars engage the trailer hitch, thereby stabilizing the base assembly.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: (e) a stepping device adapted to facilitate entry and exit from the elevated viewing platform.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 in which the stepping device comprises a ladder.
 9. The apparatus of claim 2 in which the mast further comprises a support arm.
 10. The apparatus of claim 2 in which the elevated viewing platform further comprises a safety rail.
 11. The apparatus of claim 2 in which the elevated viewing platform further comprises a deck.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 in which the deck further comprises a doorway adapted to facilitate entry and exit from the elevated viewing platform.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 in which the doorway further comprises a door.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 in which the door further comprises a hinged door that is capable of articulating between a closed position in which the door serves as decking, to an open position that facilitates entry to the elevated platform from below.
 15. The apparatus of claim 2 in which the base assembly further comprises at least one leveling leg to stabilize the base assembly when the mast is in the erect position.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 in which at least one leveling leg of the base assembly comprises an wheel.
 17. The apparatus of claim 2 in which the base assembly of the apparatus further comprises a utility cabinet.
 18. A system for providing a platform mounted upon the trailer hitch of a vehicle, the platform being adapted to facilitate elevated of the area surrounding the vehicle, comprising: (a) a passenger vehicle, the vehicle having a front side and a rear side, the vehicle further comprising a trailer hitch mounted upon its rear side, the trailer hitch further comprising a receiver; (b) a base assembly, the base assembly further comprising a draw bar adapted for insertion into the receiver of the trailer hitch; (c) at least one mast-ladder assembly having a lower end and an upper end; and (d) a platform, the platform being adapted for receiving support from the upper end of the mast-ladder assembly.
 19. The system of claim 18 in which the vehicle comprises a pickup truck, further wherein the system occupies space that is substantially beyond the rear margin of the pickup bed.
 20. The system of claim 18 in which the platform further comprises a deck, wherein the deck further comprises a doorway that is adapted to facilitate entry and exit from the platform when the platform is elevated.
 21. The system of claim 20 in which the doorway further comprises a door.
 22. The system of claim 21 in which the door further comprises a hinged door that is capable of articulating between: i) a closed position whereby the door serves as a portion of the platform decking, to ii) an open position that facilitates entry to the platform from below.
 23. The system of claim 18 in which the base assembly further comprises at least one leveling leg adapted to stabilize the base assembly.
 24. A hitch mounted cabinet apparatus, comprising: (a) a base assembly, the base assembly being adapted reversibly mounting to the trailer hitch of a vehicle; (b) one or more cabinets mounted upon the base assembly, the cabinets being adapted for providing mobile convenience items, including at least one item selected from the group comprising: television, stereo, spot light, stove, sink, water tank, generator, and winching system; and (c) wherein at least one cabinet comprises a hinged door. 